Chef's support for young sailor Henry

By gware ginny ware gware@heraldexpress.co.uk

SOUTH Devon seafood chef Mitch Tonks is supporting a teenage sailor in his quest to single-handedly sail around Britain this summer.

The TV chef, who runs the Seahorse Restaurant in Dartmouth, is staging a series of fundraising dinners for Kingswear youngster Henry Bomby, 19, who plans to sail anti-clockwise around the British Isles in June.

Mitch is also planing a grand leaving party and a homecoming party at his riverside restaurant for the inspiring youngster.

Henry is making his challenge tougher by throwing in climbing the three peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, taking in the Round the Island Race and competing in the J80 Class World Championships on the Solent during his voyage.

Mitch, a keen sailor himself, is also planning to compete against Henry in the Round the Island Race, sailing in his new Contessa 26 yacht Nellie.

He said: "Henry is an incredible guy, young, ambitious and with a lot of potential ahead to do great things.

"It's great for the Seahorse to be involved with such a worthwhile project and such a great character. My love of my Contessa 26 and sailing will make it even more fun.

"I hope to beat Henry in my first ever race in her... but probably won't."

Henry said he was delighted to have such an enthusiastic partner, adding: "Finding sponsorship to support me in these difficult times wasn't easy but I have been extremely lucky, and to have the Seahorse come on board as my main partner is fantastic for the project.

"They have been a great support and are great fun to work with.

"Both Mitch and I share a love of the sea and our little Contessas and I cannot wait to get the two boats sailing alongside each other.

"Competing against him in the Round the Island Race will be awesome.

"The banter for that has already started, which is great. I think our friendship will be left on the dock for that one."

During the trip, Henry will update his website with news, photos and videos to raise awareness for his chosen charity Toe in the Water, which helps the rehabilitation of wounded servicemen through sailing, and to inspire other young people to go out and realise their dreams.

He said: "Having done quite a bit of inshore racing, I now hope to step up and start competing in more long distance offshore races, so preparing to sail around Britain has been a great way to learn about more offshore orientated skills.

"Navigationally Britain is one of the most challenging places to sail as it has the world's largest shipping lanes, tricky port entries, wind farms, moving sand banks and difficult sea conditions — the list goes on.

"Sailing on my own also means I have to know absolutely every aspect too, giving me an all round knowledge."

Fundraising dinners for Henry are due to take place at the Seahorse on March 6 and May 28. For more information phone the restaurant on 01803 835147.

For more information about Henry's voyage, visit www.henrybombysailing.co.uk